Creating an Atlantic salmon management plan for the Morell river watershed

The goal of this project is to create a comprehensive salmon management plan for the Morell Watershed to guide the future salmon conservation and habitat enhancement work of the Morell River Management Cooperative.

The first part of this project will include gathering historical data, completing habitat assessments, and creating river maps with detailed notes. To gather as much historical information as possible, local conservationists, anglers, and individuals involved in early salmon habitat restoration on the Morell will be interviewed. Sections of the river may be walked or paddled with the provincial watershed biologist, representatives of Abegweit First Nations, MRMC board members, salmon experts, and the provincial freshwater biologist to collect further knowledge of the river.

The second part of this project will involve using the data gathered to create a complete, detailed salmon management plan for the Morell River. This will include restoration and enhancement recommendations for each branch of the river. Larger reaches of the river may be broken down into micro-reaches, where specific salmon habitat improvements may be implemented.

A draft plan will be sent to interested parties for input and revision before the completed plan becomes a guide for the MRMC.

Contact:  Hannah Murnaghan, coordinator@morellriverpei.com